What to do in Cesenatico with kids
The osteria's guide: safe beaches, entertainment, Topolino Park and tips from locals who live here. And where to eat with kids, just steps from the sea.
We’ll tell you ourselves — we’re right there, on Viale Carducci, a stone’s throw from Gatteo Mare and in the heart of Villamarina di Cesenatico. If you’ve chosen Villamarina or Gatteo Mare, you’ve picked the easiest part of Cesenatico for travelling with kids. Shallow sea, everything within walking distance, and little ones who fall asleep happy at night. Here’s how to fill a day around here, and where to stop when hunger strikes without loading everyone back into the car.
The beach, first of all
Here the sea is made for children: fine sand, a bottom that slopes gently, calm water. The little ones play at the shoreline while you keep an eye out from under the umbrella. The beach clubs in Villamarina and Gatteo Mare are well equipped: play areas, pedalos and canoes to rent, ping-pong, beach volleyball courts, and a bit of entertainment that now and then takes the kids off your hands for half an hour.
A tip from someone who lives here: Gatteo Mare is one of the beaches awarded the paediatricians’ Green Flag, precisely for its shallow, safe waters. With small children, go early in the morning, before the sun gets strong.
The entertainment: the Summer Village
In summer Gatteo Mare turns into one big celebration. The Gatteo Mare Summer Village fills the season with games and shows: the mini club on the beach in the morning, the Teo Club at the Don Guanella gardens in the afternoon (usually 3:30–6:00 pm), with workshops and baby parking, and shows in Piazza della Libertà in the evening. The centre is pedestrian, so you can stroll easily even with a pushchair.
If you’re here in mid-July it’s usually the highlight week, with parades through the streets of the town. The calendar changes every year: before you set off, take a look at the Summer Village’s, where you’ll also find the current entertainment times.
A stroll among the rides
Without going far, the classics kids never tire of: the little train that runs through town and the Ferris wheel. And just around the corner, on Viale delle Nazioni, there’s Topolino Park: electric go-karts, inflatables, rides and a big games arcade. It opens in the late afternoon and runs through the summer months, so save it for after the beach; season and current times on the official listing.
If you fancy water slides
For the big day out there’s the Atlantica water park, the one with the slides and pools, completely renovated for 2026. It opens from June to early September, usually 9:30 am–7:00 pm: dates, times and tickets on the official website. To be honest it’s on the other side of Cesenatico from us, towards Zadina, further “north”: you’ll need the car if you’re staying near us, but the fun is well worth it!
And when it’s time to eat?
This is where we come in handy. At lunchtime kids are hungry right now, and the last thing you want is to get back in the car towards the Porto Canale, hunting for parking among a hundred identical restaurants.
We’re right here, in your own neighbourhood, a few steps from the beach. And children really are at home with us: there are high chairs and portions made for them. The fish arrives fresh every morning from the market: for the little ones a light fry-up or spaghetti alla chitarra with tuna, which go down without a fuss. And if fish really isn’t for them, there’s meat too — pasta with ragù, a cutlet: take a look at the menu. You, meanwhile, take your time over a seafood crudo and a first course, while the kids finish their dessert. No laminated tourist menu: proper old-style seafood cooking, the Romagna way, since 1987.
Quick tips
- Beach with kids: Villamarina and Gatteo Mare, shallow water; Gatteo Mare holds the paediatricians’ Green Flag.
- Entertainment: Gatteo Mare Summer Village — Teo Club 3:30–6:00 pm at the Don Guanella gardens, evening shows in Piazza della Libertà. Current programme on the official website.
- Rides: Topolino Park, Viale delle Nazioni 92 (Gatteo), from late afternoon.
- Water park: Atlantica, north side of Cesenatico, 9:30 am–7:00 pm — a half-day trip. Times and tickets on the official website.
- Us: Osteria La Romantica, Viale Carducci 319, Villamarina — reservations +39 378 4227433.
You're already here. Stop by for a meal.
Fresh Adriatic fish every morning, Romagna home cooking since 1987. We'll get your table ready.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best beach in Cesenatico for young children?
The southern area — Villamarina and Gatteo Mare — is the most suitable: fine sand, a gently sloping bottom and calm water. Gatteo Mare is one of the beaches awarded the paediatricians' Green Flag. The beach clubs have play areas and entertainment for the little ones.
What to do in Villamarina and Gatteo Mare with kids besides the beach?
The entertainment of the Gatteo Mare Summer Village (mini club, Teo Club, evening shows: current programme and times on the official website), the little train and the Ferris wheel, and Topolino Park on Viale delle Nazioni with go-karts and rides. For a bigger day out there's the Atlantica water park, on the north side of Cesenatico.
What time does Topolino Park in Gatteo Mare open?
It opens in the late afternoon, from around 5:00 pm, and it's at Viale delle Nazioni 92 in Gatteo Mare: handy for after the beach. Times can change through the season: more information on the park's official listing.
Where to eat fish in Cesenatico with kids?
At La Romantica, on Viale Carducci 319 in Villamarina, a few steps from the beach: high chairs and portions made for children, and if fish isn't for them there's meat too. Fresh catch every morning, a tradition since 1987. Best to book: +39 378 4227433.
